Homes for the Brave

The 15th Anniversary of the organization Homes for the Brave was an awe inspiring event! The volunteers and staff donate so much of their time to helping the residents and individuals who have sacrificed so much for our nation! They house the homeless, with an emphasis on veterans, who need some extra assistance getting back on their feet via vocational programs, health care, and case workers! It really is an example of an organization all about providing what is needed!

Reach out if you would like to get involved!

XOXO Lauren

    

Join for the Kids

It's that time of year again! Fall fundraising through Yankee Candle as arrived! They have tons of candles, melts, crafts, gifts, garden accessories, house wares, etc., so check it out and remember that everything ships to either you or your loved one so it couldn't make holiday shopping any easier! Plus 40% of all that you spend will go straight to Children's Miracle Network! Hope to see you join me!

Link in the column to the right --> and also posted on other media sites!

XOXO Lauren

Crowning a Princess

So ecstatic to announce my 2018 princess Maggie Wernicki! I had the chance to watch her grace and beauty on the floor today, as well as hear her talk about how passionate she is about volunteering and her platform! Maggie and I share a platform so big things are expected for the year!

XOXO Lauren

# Babes in Bradshaw

My first sponsor visit of the year could be described with no other word but fabulous. Little Miss Bradshaw is an adorable boutique that houses clothes in all sizes (they have the cutest baby stuff!). Smiles were all around this morning as we picked out some new wardrobe additions for the fall! From sweaters to gowns make sure you stop by and join their fashion forward family!     XOXO Lauren

Bonding and Sisterhood

Started off this evening with a bonding session! Miss Fairfield County, Sylvana Gonzalez, and I spent an awesome afternoon getting to know each other and playing some card games! She is also a MEAN cook, so if you are ever in need make sure to give her a shout out! We then had a carpool jam session to find out who would join the class of 2018!

Pre-crowning moment I had the chance to give out raffles and spend some time with my amazing teen Kaleigh! Then Miss Bristol and Miss Forestville were both crowned and we couldn't have been more excited! Welcome to the class of 2018 Victoria Lemme and Jillian Duffy! I cannot wait to spend some time with you this upcoming year and CONGRATULATIONS!

   

As always stay tuned cause the wicked never rest :) PS- I love halloween!

XOXO Lauren

The Beginning

My fitness journey for Miss Connecticut has just begun! Michelle Traynor, a personal fitness coach,  has already given me a plan for the week and I can't wait to keep you all updated on my healthy journey!

Hoping to make her proud, XOXO Lauren

The Sweetest Girl in Town

I had the chance to sit down with our current Miss Connecticut, Eliza Kanner! Whoever takes the crown this year has huge heels to fill because she is killing it! I feel so welcomed to the state and to the organization! Hope you are all following her year because it has been incredible and she has so much more in store for you!

XOXO Lauren

Busy Saturday

Bright and early on saturday, I had the chance to join the Hamden PTA Color Me Run 5k! Miss Fairfield County's Outstanding Teen, Emerson Forbes, and I had the pleasure of leading off the run and getting drenched head to toe in color! I love fundraising events like this because not only do they bring the community together, they also get people moving and staying active! It is so important to keep moving and this was a fantastic opportunity for families, especially with such a fun atmosphere including a festival too!




The festival by P.L.A.C.E multicultural center was the perfect fall themed fair and we were joined by Miss Fairfield County, Sylvana Gonzalez! It included so many different vendors and activities for both children and adults. They had food, pumpkins, clothes, art, performers, and more! Smiles were all around from beginning to end!




I had the chance to talk with the fabulous mayor of Hamden, Curt Leng and learn a little more about the town and its community! Furthermore, I had the opportunity to meet those that protect it! The police of Hamden talked to us about their procedures and let us sit in the breast cancer awareness vehicle!


I also gained a new obsession! Have you ever heard of Slice of New Haven? Well they serve fire grilled pizzas from their food truck and I really hope you run into them because it is SO worth it! I also had the chance to receive some art from Adila Khan Henna Art! Her henna is chemical free and her art is beautiful! If you have a moment check her out!

    

All in all a fun day bonding with sisters and getting to know the wonderful community of Hamden!

XOXO Lauren

The Crown Meets the World

So just a few hours after my crowning the organization held its sister pageant, Miss Fairfield County and Miss Maritime! Crowned were Sylvana Gonzalez: Miss Fairfield County, Emerson Forbes: Miss Fairfield County's Outstanding Teen, and Sarah Rioux: Miss Maritime! With that our  organization family for the year became complete! I am looking forward to partnering with Sylvana and Emerson and getting to know them better!


Sarah and I had the chance to bond throughout the day and I found out she has a personality for days! I can't wait to see what she does with her title and you should be just as pumped!

In addition to all the latter excitement, I also had my first appearance! I had the opportunity to speak about how it feels being newly crowned, my plans, and the Miss America organization! All in all, I am just as ecstatic for the year writing this as I was in the moment!


SO, as always keep your eyes peeled because fundraisers and appearances are already in the works!

XOXO Lauren

Overwhelmed

WOW! What a whirlwind. I just got crowned with a crown that is attached to an organization I can already tell is super supportive, welcoming, and a large family! From the moment I arrived at the University of New Haven (sponsor shoutout!), all the way to now the incredible board of Miss New Haven County and the volunteers have been there to answer every question and help in whatever way they could. I am looking forward to working alongside them!



I am also incredibly excited to share this coming year with your amazing Miss New Haven County's Outstanding Teen, Kaliegh Garris! I had the joy of sharing a dressing room with Kaliegh and let me tell you, she is fantastic! Another fantastic queen in your new Miss Shoreline 2018, Trenee McGee! We have already clicked and are ready for some fun collaborations in the future!




I am so honored and excited to be your Miss New Haven 2018! I plan to take off running to serve the community and promote both Children's Miracle Network and my personal platform Voices of Honor! Follow all my social media accounts to stay updated on my whereabouts, campaigns, appearances, and events!  




PS- Keep your eyes peeled on social media to see the wonderful gifts I have already received from some of our sponsors; Tonya Johnstone (Stella & Dot), Body Construct, Laura Carrano (Younique), and In the Buff by Dory! Also the gifts the beautiful Miss Connecticut, Eliza Kanner, gave me! Except the chocolate bar, because I already ate it. Opps.


XOXO Lauren